Various Artists Rough Trade 45th Anniversary 7" Box Set Vol. 2

Rough Trade 45s: Volume 2 continues the label’s anniversary series with nine carefully selected seven-inch singles tracing its development through the 1980s and early 1990s. Handpicked by Rough Trade co-managing directors Jeannette Lee and Geoff Travis, the collection brings together landmark releases and personal favourites from one of independent music’s most influential catalogues.

The set includes faithfully presented singles by The Fall, Scritti Politti, Robert Wyatt, Aztec Camera, The Go-Betweens, Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers and The Sundays, each paired with its original B-side. Together, the records capture a period in which Rough Trade evolved from a pioneering independent operation into a label responsible for some of alternative music’s most enduring releases.

Two exclusive configurations make this collection particularly distinctive. At the request of Morrissey and Johnny Marr, The Smiths’ “The Headmaster Ritual” becomes an official Rough Trade single for the first time, backed with “I Want The One I Can’t Have.” Morrissey also selected new sleeve artwork featuring a 1939 image of American actor Billy Halop.

Mazzy Star’s 1993 single “Five String Serenade” is paired with “Blue Flower,” replacing its original B-side “Under My Car” to create a unique double-sided collection of cover versions by David Roback and Hope Sandoval.

The accompanying sleeve notes include a new extensive interview with Lee and Travis, alongside contributions from Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Elvis Costello, Stewart Lee, Roddy Frame, Green Gartside, Jonathan Richman, Harriet Wheeler, David Gavurin, Lindy Morrison and Robert Forster. Archival memorabilia and photography by Anton Corbijn, Laura Levine, Paul Slattery, David Corio and others further document the label’s history.

Strictly limited to 1,000 copies worldwide, Rough Trade 45s: Volume 2 is a carefully assembled celebration of the artists, songs and independent spirit that shaped Rough Trade Records.